Despite public outcry, developers got their way on Tuesday when the Kaua‘i Planning Commission approved a permit to build a road over the historic Hapa Trail on the South Shore. The Eric Knudsen Trust is planning a housing development in
Despite public outcry, developers got their way on Tuesday when the Kaua‘i Planning Commission approved a permit to build a road over the historic Hapa Trail on the South Shore.
The Eric Knudsen Trust is planning a housing development in an area just east of Hapa Trail. In order to obtain easier access to Po‘ipu Road, the developer opted to build an access road across the trail, a pedestrian path which runs alongside a 1.2-mile stone wall registered as a historic site.
The trail used to be known as Hapa Road, but lawmakers had it changed to avoid it being mistaken as a road where cars could drive. The move was intended to help preserve it.
The site of the proposed development encompasses an area that includes several ancient taro patches and intricate irrigation systems. Community members who spoke against the development, mostly Koloa and Po‘ipu residents, had already accepted the possible loss of historic sites, but were not eager to give Hapa Trail away.
Resident Jerry Di Pietro said it is illegal to disturb the stone structure because there is a legal clause ruling that whoever develops the lands where the lo‘i and irrigation systems are located must maintain and restore the trail, including the stone structure.
Hapa Trail belongs to the county. The developers already have prepared an Environmental Impact Statement, a more complex version of an Environmental Assessment.
Residents claimed that the EIS addresses only the development, not the trail or the stone structure, but Deputy Planning Director Imai Aiu said the EIS does address Hapa Trail.
The stone structure is another controversy in itself. Residents say it is an ancient native Hawaiian structure. The developers say it was built by the Knudsen family in the late 1800s.
Commissioner Camilla Matsumoto said regardless, it is a historic site and as such it must be preserved.
Former Mayor and Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura, who was pivotal in the name change of the former Hapa Road, questioned why developers would not be willing to relocate access to the project from its eastern side.
The developers pledged to restore Hapa Trail, but they will have 20 years to finish the project.
Newly elected Commission Vice Chair Caven Raco, saying that developers met all lawful requirements and should be granted the permit, made a motion to approve it.
Commissioner Steven Weinstein said it was “time to move on,” which Commissioner Stuart Hollinger agreed with.
All three, alongside newly elected Commission Chair Jimmy Nishida, voted to approve the permit. Commissioners Herman Texeira and Matsumoto voted against it.
After the permit approval, frustrated community members, who endured the 14-hour meeting, left the Mo‘ikeha Building saying there will be a lawsuit.
